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    Psalms 23 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 23 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 23

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 23:6

    "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my…"

    Psalm 23:1

    "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.…"

    Psalm 23:1-6

    "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to l…"

    Psalm 23:5

    "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine ene…"

    Psalm 23:3

    "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteou…"

    Psalm 23:2

    "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me be…"

    Psalm 23:3

    "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteou…"

    Psalm 23:4

    "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…"

    Psalm 23:1-3

    "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to l…"

    Popular Verses in Psalms 23

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 23:1 KJV

    Provision

    Psalm 23:2 KJV

    Provision

    Psalm 23:3 KJV

    Provision

    Psalm 23:4 KJV

    Provision

    Psalm 23:5 KJV

    Provision

    Psalm 23:6 KJV

    Provision

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    Psalms 23 Summary

    Psalm 23 is the most beloved poem in the Bible — a declaration of trust that has comforted millions across every conceivable circumstance. David draws on his experience as a shepherd to portray God as the Good Shepherd who provides rest, guidance, restoration, and protection.

    The psalm moves from green pastures to the valley of the shadow of death and finally to a prepared table in the presence of enemies — a journey from peace through peril to celebration. Its six verses encompass the full range of human experience and meet each moment with the assurance of God's presence.

    Key Themes

    God as ShepherdProvision and restGuidance through darknessTable in the presence of enemiesGoodness and mercy

    Key Verses in Psalms 23

    "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

    — Psalms 23:1

    The foundational declaration — if the Lord is your shepherd, every need is covered.

    "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

    — Psalms 23:4

    The most quoted comfort verse in Scripture — presence overcomes fear.

    "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

    — Psalms 23:5

    God provides abundance even in hostile circumstances — blessing amid adversity.

    Life Application

    Psalm 23 doesn't promise a life without valleys — it promises a Shepherd who walks through them with you. The shift from 'He' to 'Thou' in verse 4 is significant: when the path darkens, God draws nearer. Whatever valley you're facing today, this psalm invites you to move from knowing about God to knowing Him personally.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who wrote Psalm 23?

    Psalm 23 was written by David, who was himself a shepherd before becoming king of Israel. His intimate knowledge of shepherding gave him a unique lens through which to describe God's care for His people.

    What does 'valley of the shadow of death' mean?

    The Hebrew phrase refers to the darkest, most dangerous ravine a shepherd and sheep might traverse. It represents any season of deep fear, grief, or danger. David's point is not that we avoid such valleys but that God's presence removes the terror of them.

    Psalm 23 Commentary & Reflection

    Trust
    Peaceful, comforting

    Best read for: Funerals, comfort, daily devotion

    Overview of Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd

    Perhaps the most beloved chapter in all of Scripture, Psalm 23 paints God as a caring shepherd who provides rest, guidance, comfort, and abundance. David draws on his own experience as a shepherd to describe how God leads through green pastures, still waters, and even the valley of the shadow of death. The psalm ends with the promise that goodness and mercy will follow the believer forever.

    Key Themes

    Comfort
    Provision
    Protection
    God's Presence

    Key Verses to Remember

    “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
    — Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
    “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
    — Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

    Reflection

    In a world of anxiety and uncertainty, Psalm 23 offers the radical claim that we shall not want. God doesn't promise the absence of dark valleys — He promises His presence in them. Where do you need to trust the Shepherd today?

    Historical Context

    The most beloved psalm in history, Psalm 23 draws from David's years as a shepherd boy in Bethlehem. Every image comes from lived experience—leading sheep to water, protecting them from predators, finding safe pastures. The 'valley of the shadow of death' likely refers to the deep, narrow wadis near the Dead Sea where predators lurked and flash floods could strike without warning.

    How to Apply Psalm 23 Today

    Personalize each line: 'The Lord is MY shepherd—I shall not want.' Meditate on which season you're in right now: green pastures (rest), still waters (refreshment), right paths (guidance), the valley (suffering), the prepared table (provision amidst enemies), or the overflowing cup (abundance). God is present in every season.

    A Prayer from Psalm 23

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 23 devotional →
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